Women’s Bantamweight
1. Ronda Rousey (10-0)
The world’s top female fighter notched yet another blistering victory at UFC 175. This time, it was Alexis Davis who had the misfortune of crossing Rousey’s path, and the UFC women’s bantamweight ace made Davis pay with a 16-second knockout. While the notion was broached of having the “Rowdy” one make a quick turnaround to headline UFC 176, Rousey will have to spend some time on the sidelines as she recuperates from minor knee surgery.2. Cat Zingano (8-0)
Despite her status as the UFC’s official No. 1 contender, Zingano has been kept away from the cage for more than a year due to serious injury and personal tragedy. “Alpha” has recently stated she is back to training and ready for a fight with Ronda Rousey. Instead of waiting for the women’s champion to heal from knee surgery, Zingano will return to the cage for a showdown with Amanda Nunes at UFC 178.3. Sara McMann (8-1)
McMann’s wrestling skills alone carried her to a unanimous decision win against previously unbeaten Lauren Murphy on Aug. 16, marking the Olympian’s first victory since falling to Ronda Rousey in February. After emerging victorious from the three-round grinder, McMann stated she would like to compete in grappling tournaments ahead of her next bout in order to shore up her MMA game.4. Alexis Davis (16-6)
To say things did not go Davis’ way at UFC 175 would be a massive understatement. The Canadian saw her five-fight winning streak snapped in brutal fashion when she was ragdolled to the ground and punched unconscious by Ronda Rousey in just 16 seconds.5. Miesha Tate (14-5)
It took three tries, but Tate earned her first Octagon triumph at the expense of Liz Carmouche at UFC on Fox 11 in Orlando. “Cupcake” started slowly, but more aggressive striking and an active submission game allowed the former Strikeforce champion to turn the corner in the second half of the bout and capture a unanimous verdict. Tate’s next bout will come in Japan, where she will locks horns with Queen of Pancrase -- and YouTube curiosity -- Rin Nakai at a UFC Fight Night event on Sept. 20.6. Sarah Kaufman (17-2, 1 NC)
Kaufman put on a striking clinic against Leslie Smith to garner her first UFC triumph at “The Ultimate Fighter Nations” Finale. The ex-Strikeforce titlist overwhelmed Smith with volume and accuracy over the course of their three-round encounter, landing multi-punch combinations, knees to the body and kicks to the legs en route to recording a unanimous verdict.7. Jessica Eye (10-2, 1 NC)
February was a bad month for “Evil” Eye. First, the 27-year-old Ohioan had the biggest win of her career erased when the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation revealed that Eye tested positive for marijuana metabolites following her October bout with Sarah Kaufman. Eye was still allowed to face Alexis Davis at UFC 170 but wound up on the wrong end of a questionable split decision.8. Lauren Murphy (8-1)
Entering the Octagon at 8-0, former Invicta Fighting Championships titleholder Murphy looked to make a splash against Sara McMann and put herself on the fast track to title contention. Instead, the 31-year-old Alaska native was ground out for three rounds by McMann’s Olympic-caliber wrestling, giving Murphy her first defeat despite offering considerable resistence from her back.9. Bethe Correia (9-0)
Correia remained unbeaten and captured the biggest win of her young career at UFC 177, where she smashed Shayna Baszler with a second-round flurry of fists and elbows. With Baszler and Jessamyn Duke behind her, the 31-year-old Brazilian is now gunning for the leader of the “Four Horsewomen” -- Ronda Rousey. However, Correia will likely need another win or two while the UFC women’s champion deals with current contenders.10. Liz Carmouche (9-5)
Rumored to be nursing an injury heading into her UFC on Fox 11 clash with Miesha Tate, “Girl-rilla” nonetheless did a decent job of controlling her foe through takedowns and wrestling in the early going. However, Tate gradually asserted herself down the stretch to hand Carmouche her third loss in four UFC appearances.Other Contenders: Jessica Andrade, Tonya Evinger, Holly Holm, Rin Nakai, Amanda Nunes.